2013 Ford Focus ST: High-performance for the whole family

Once upon a time, almost all automakers offered a pocket rocket: compact vehicles endowed with refined performance and sold at reasonable price. These days, these cars are few and far between, as several models have disappeared from the market. Ford, however, returns to this segment for 2013 with the arrival of the Focus ST. This new trim level kicks the model’s sportiness up a notch yet remains attractively priced. No, it doesn’t bear the SVT label like the last supercharged Focus did – mainly so as not to limit its distribution to selected dealerships – but it features all of Ford’s sports car know-how just the same.

The Ford Focus ST is the first performance vehicle offered by Ford on a global scale. It will be sold in more than 40 countries and is built on the manufacturer’s C platform, now used on no fewer than 30 different models, including the brand new Escape. The Escape was developed with the cooperation of Team RS in Europe and SVT in North America, which gives it multinational origins and infuses it with DNA that Canadian buyers will definitely appreciate.

Only the hatchback

Of course, the Focus ST is based on the regular model, but it’s only available in a five-door hatchback configuration. That’ll make many people happy, since this configuration offers a much sportier and more dynamic style than the sedan. Plus, it’s just more practical. It competes very well with the Mazdaspeed3 and Volkswagen GTI.

Behind the Focus ST’s performances is the same engine now found in the 2.0-litre Taurus: the 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost that, thanks to turbocharging, produces 252 horses at 5,500 rpm for 270 lbs-ft of torque. That’s what gives the car such superior performance and a 6.5-second 0-100km/hr time. Technology sets this engine apart, in particular direct injection, while its aluminum engine bloc keeps it lightweight. This is the first time that Ford has used an EcoBoost engine in a performance vehicle, the advantage being impressive power and more reasonable fuel consumption.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels using a six-speed manual transmission with a reduced shifting throw. Certain rivals, like Subaru, feature all-wheel drive, whereas the Focus ST does not.

A lot more outgoing

In terms of style, the Focus ST has a distinctive character, making its sport aspirations quickly noticeable. There’s no way you’re going to confuse it with the regular Focus, that’s for sure. First of all, its body comes in livelier and more eye-catching colours that are used exclusively on this sporty car. In front, there’s a more imposing air intake and a collection of skirts emphasizing aerodynamics. Its unique 18-inch rims with their Y-shaped spoke are reminiscent of the RS rally models, adding a nice touch of style. In back, a sizeable spoiler on the roof maximizes the car’s stability at high speed. But the best style feature is definitely the twin exhaust with their trapezoidal tips located smack dab in the middle of the bumper.

Inside, the Focus ST is also equipped with features to upgrade its style and performance. The Recaro seats offer more support, without being too punishing. Long rides don’t become unpleasant, as they do on some competitive  vehicles.

The dashboard is similar to that of the ordinary version, but you’ll notice the darker materials, a sport steering wheel and paddles, and an additional instrumental group added above the central part of the dashboard. However, we would have appreciated a more suitable footrest, which looks a lot more like a hump covered in carpeting than a real footrest. Note to the engineers: go check out Volkswagen – no one does a footrest better. Another annoyance: the small console attached to the ceiling that blocks the view in the rearview mirror. As for the rest, there’s ample room on board, even for the passengers in back. Thanks to its hatchback configuration, this car is not only high-performance, but its generous cargo space also makes it very practical. You won’t have to make many compromises with the Focus ST.

Stereophonic sound

Once in place, you’ll quickly find a good driving position thanks to numerous seat controls and tilt steering. Not even the Mustang has that! When you start it, the four-cylinder engine emits a throaty sound, a rarity for such a small engine capacity. The engineers clearly valued this aspect and found a way to make it happen. In addition to optimizing the engine sound, they added a system called Sound Symposer, which diffuses a few additional notes in the passenger compartment. It makes a nice sound – not too soft, not too loud – in acceleration.

The four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers the merchandise. It deploys power almost instantly, which is a feature favoured both by its generous torque delivered at low speed and its low inertia coefficient turbocharger. The engineers also managed to harness all the power and minimize torque effect with a balancing system that detects conditions that could lead to this problem and engages the power steering when necessary to counteract its effects.

Speaking of power steering, it also includes variable assistance that, at higher speeds, increases system sensitivity and gives the driver a feeling of superior control. You get the impression that you can guide the car with the tips of your fingers. Even when stopped, you’ll be amazed to note that it only takes about two turns to rotate the wheels from one side to the other. Naturally, the sport suspension is calibrated to maximize handling and maintain a balanced ride in normal conditions.

With its competitive price and fantastic output, the Focus ST is putting up a good fight in a game long dominated by Japanese and German models. It stands out with excellent performance for the price and great style. Got a family and a limited budget but don’t want to scrimp on performance? This may be the car for you!